Parallel Lives Programme

31/05/2026

If you recognise this… there is help and support. Please reach out to us, by phone, email, text or via our online chat. Abuse doesn’t stop when you separate. The tactics used change.

23/05/2026

We often work with parents who want to co-parent better post separation. Sometimes we can guide parents to better their coparenting and communication skills by working with both parents. Other times we find one parent is trying to co-parent whilst the other parent is counter parenting, in these situations co-parenting strategies do not work and are not recommended.
Other times we identify domestic abuse as a key feature, and we can support victims throughout the process.
We try to balance expectations along with supporting both parents to parallel parent.
The children’s welfare is always our upmost priority, which is why we also offer My Voice for children where there is high conflict.

Our aim is to support parents to be the best version of themselves, and the best parents they can be. Whether contact is agreed by mutual agreement, consent order, or if court intervention is necessary. We support throughout the process ensuring that both parents sides are heard and an intervention is put in place for both parents.

If you can’t co-parent effectively, then you need to learn how to Parallel Parent (provided there is no domestic abuse). Parallel Parenting is a skill, and strategies can be taught to guide parents so that conflict deescalates. We guide you through the steps that need to be taken, teach you new skills, and work with both parents to evidence that it is working. You can continue to work with us as long as we are needed and can come back in the future if conflict escalates again.

We are not just a programme… we are a long intervention that supports with multiple issues to keep families safe.

20/05/2026

This is what 'co-parenting' looks like with an abuser.

A survivors experience:

After years of legal proceedings, I finally had court orders put in place. They set out clear arrangements, including that I collect our child from my ex-husband on Saturday morning.

Knowing I would have family visiting me and our child that Saturday, he messaged me the night before:

"There's an event on tomorrow. I will take our child there and drop him to you later."

There was no question or discussion. Just a decision, made by him.

I replied that I’d be at his house at the arranged time to collect our son.

The response came back:

"There is no discussion. This is what will happen."

So I stated plainly that if our child was not there for collection at the arranged time, it would be noted as a breach of the court order.

His reply:

"Note it down with capital letters.”

This is how abuse continues after separation. Through small, deliberate acts of sabotage. Through decisions imposed and framed as final, and through boundaries dismissed as if they never existed.

From the outside, it may look like a simple disagreement about plans. From the inside, it is the same dynamic that ran through the entire relationship: power, dominance, and the unspoken rule that agreements apply to everyone except him.

This is not co-parenting. It is the control that never stopped.

Seek advice and support to help manage situations like this. Document the abuse.

You are not alone.

14/05/2026

Something for the local guys….

26/04/2026

Separation can be stressful and bring lots of unwanted emotions. At Parallel Lives, we can hold your hand throughout. We offer legal support, emotional and practical support, as well as guidance throughout the process. Whether it’s domestic abuse, parental conflict or suspected parental alienation, you are not alone. We can help the separation be less stressful for adults and children.

25/04/2026

To end stalking awareness week, a little reminder that stalking is never ok, and there is support whether a victim or perpetrator of stalking. Reach out.

24/04/2026

22/04/2026

If you’d like to know more about our stalking intervention, drop us a call or a message. Stalking is never Ok

18/04/2026

We spend a lot of time trying to keep family cases out of court, deescalating conflict and helping parents come to agreements. Court is only the best option where there are safeguarding concerns.

16/04/2026

Post separation abuse effects all genders, more importantly it negatively effects children. Let us help you switch the adult focus (allegations and counter allegations) to focusing on the children and having a healthy, safe environment